Relay race starts Saturday at 9 a.m.

Chris Hill, left, and Forrest Dawe, both councilors on Amherst Youth Town Council, are currently canvassing businesses and organizations to participate in the AYTC Relay Race for Relay For Life, which starts Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Rotary Centennial Park on Willow Street.

AMHERST – Amherst Youth Town Council is hosting the Relay Race for Relay For Life beginning Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Rotary Centennial Park in Amherst.

“The idea came from the Citizen-Record’s 30-year’s ago today section," said Chris Hill, Amherst youth town councilor. "They had a race between Oxford and Amherst. This is similar but a different version of it.”

The relay race is 30-kilometres long but will not be between Oxford and Amherst. Instead, it will take place at four different parks throughout Amherst.

Each team will have 10 people and they will start at the Rotary Centennial Park on Willow Street, move to E.B. Chandler, then to Amherst Regional High School, and then finish at Dickey Park.

“When a team finishes at one location the whole team moves to the next location,” said Forrest Dawe, Amherst youth town councilor.

Seven kilometres is covered at each location, with approximately two kilometres covered between each location.

The race isn’t a competition.

“We know there’s a lot of people in town who run and walk and they are all welcome to come out. It’s not just restricted to runners,” said Hill.

Also, team members aren’t restricted to running three kilometres each. Dawe said any kind of configuration is allowed.

“It’s up to the team. If one runner wants to run 29 kilometres and get the rest of the team to run the last kilometre, they can do that,” said Dawe.

The 12 members of youth town council are visiting businesses to inform them of the run, and they hope to have several 10-person teams from ARHS and E.B. Chandler Junior High School participating in the run as well.

Youth councilors will be on hand to provide water and keep things running smoothly.

The entrance fee per participant is $5 or $10 per person, with all proceeds going to the Amherst Relay for Life.

“There’s no registration fee. It can be any donation,” said Hill. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together and enjoy some physical activity.”

There will be a free barbecue at the finish line at Dickey Park and live entertainment will be provided by local bands and musicians.

For more information, or to register, call Corey Crocker, Town of Amherst physical activity coordinator, at 667-6503 or email Chris Hill at chrishill373@gmail.com.

Chris Hill, left, and Forrest Dawe, both councilors on Amherst Youth Town Council, are currently canvassing businesses and organizations to participate in the AYTC Relay Race for Relay For Life, which starts Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Rotary Centennial Park on Willow Street.